Latex vs. Memory Foam:
Which Is Better?

Are you considering a latex or memory foam mattress, but aren’t sure which one is better? While both mattress types provide adequate posture support, there are some stark differences that those in the market for a new mattress should be cognizant of. From pros and cons to cooling features and cost, our guide covers everything you need to know when it comes choosing between a latex vs. memory foam mattress.

 
Memory foam is made from polyurethane foam and other added materials. It is malleable, durable, and has been applauded for its ability to absorb impact. This means that if you share a bed with someone, you likely won’t be able to feel them tossing and turning throughout the night. Memory foam is also known for its heat-wicking abilities. The foam uses your body’s heat to mold and absorb your impact — creating a cushion that is great for aching joints.
 
Memory foam mattresses are made of multiple layers of foam ranging in size and density. There are three different types of memory foam mattresses:
 

• Traditional foam: Traditional memory foam mattresses are made with a closed-cell structure that traps heat and polyurethane foam that adapts to the body.
   
• Open-cell foam: Open-cell foam is constructed with “open cells” that encourage air movement throughout the mattress. It is considered softer and less dense than the traditional foam mattress. The Casper mattress uses open-cell foam and high-density memory foam to create a breathable, supportive mattress option.  
• Foam with gel pods: A gel pod foam mattress has gel pods added to the top layer that give an extra layer of support and comfort. These gel pods also help give the mattress a bouncier feel than the traditional and open-cell foam options. For example, the Casper Wave Hybrid is made with gel pods under the lower back and waist to help relieve aches and pains.

 
Latex foam can be made from natural and synthetic materials. Natural latex is produced from rubber trees so there are no harsh chemicals in the mattress. The sap from the trees is frothed up and baked to create a foam. It’s a very popular option for those looking for an eco-friendly mattress.
 
Synthetic latex is made from several materials, but the most prominent is a type of plastic and natural rubber substitute called Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). This type of latex mattress is less durable and springy than the natural latex mattress.
 
Latex foam can be made in two different ways. Both methods use the vulcanization process to create the foam. Vulcanization is the chemical process of hardening rubber by using heat. Below are the two ways latex foam is made.
 

• Talalay process: The Talalay method harvests sap from rubber trees and pours it only partway into a mold. A vacuum is used to fill the rest of the mold with air. The feeling of this foam is considered softer than what is produced from the Dunlop method.
   
• Dunlop process: The Dunlop method harvests tree sap as well, however, it fills the mattress mold completely. This creates a denser bottom and results in a firmer feeling foam than what is produced by the Talalay method.

 
There are essentially five main differences between latex and memory foam: edge support, responsiveness, breathability, motion isolation, and pressure relief. Latex foam is considered to be on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to memory foam. Memory foam has better edge support, pressure relief, and motion isolation, whereas latex foam is a lot bouncier and more breathable. We dig into why this is below.

Edge Support

If you like to sit or sleep on the edge of your bed, you want a mattress that supports you when you apply pressure to the edge. A memory foam mattress offers more edge support than a latex foam mattress does. Latex foam may give you that feeling of rolling off when you lay too close to the edge.
 
Winner: Memory foam.

Responsiveness

 
The responsiveness of each mattress can be tested by bouncing a golf ball (or another type of ball) on the mattress foam. When bouncing a golf ball on a latex mattress, the ball will bounce right back up to you. When bouncing a golf ball on memory foam, the mattress will barely bounce back at all. Latex is more firm and rubbery. It has a faster bounce back time when pressure is applied. When pressure is applied to a memory foam mattress, there is much less resistance and the bounce back time is much slower.
 
This tells us that latex will work with your body when you try to move, while memory foam works against you. Latex foam is better for those who are active sleepers as it allows you to move more easily. On the other hand, memory foam will make it a lot harder for you to move over in your sleep.
 
Winner: Latex foam.

Breathability

One of the many things people like to look for in a mattress is breathability, especially if you tend to sleep hot. During sleep, body heat gets absorbed by the mattress. Memory foam has a tendency to retain heat, making it more likely for you to sleep hot. Latex foam does not hold heat in, so it’s going to feel a lot cooler when you sleep.
 
Winner: Latex foam.

Motion Isolation

 
Do you remember those commercials where someone would jump on a mattress next to an unspilled glass of wine? That’s motion isolation in action and it’s something that memory foam mattresses are known for. Memory foam is great at absorbing body pressure and movement so that you won’t be able to tell if your partner is tossing or turning all night. Because of the latex mattress’ springy nature, it’s not great at isolating motion and you will likely hear and feel the movement of someone next to you.
 
Winner: Memory foam.

Pressure Relief

A memory foam mattress is the better option for those looking for pressure and pain relief. Lying on a mattress, people can sometimes feel pressure in places such as their knees and hips. Memory foam does a better job of relieving this pressure and any pain that you may have been feeling. Side sleepers tend to prefer memory foam mattresses as they often need more support on their shoulders and hips.
 
Winner: Memory foam.
 
Both memory foam and latex are super durable and they each have their pros and their cons. However, memory foam has more slow-moving properties that offer better pressure relief. In contrast, latex mattresses have a bouncier feel that is better for those who tend to sleep hot.

 
As discussed above, memory foam is the better option for those looking for pressure relief and motion isolation. However, it’s important to look at the cons as well. If you’re someone who sleeps hot, a memory foam mattress may not be for you.
 
 Pros

• Good with pressure and pain relief
• Less noisy
• The best option for motion isolation
• Softens and molds to the sleeper’s body

• Traps heat
• More difficult to move around
• May sag more quickly
• Least bounce back quality

 
Each mattress has its own pros and cons. When it comes to latex, it’s important to look at both the advantages and the drawbacks. Weigh each carefully and make your decision from there.
 
 Pros

• Sleeps cool
• More responsive with a higher bounce back capacity
• Usually more eco-friendly
• Typically longer lasting

• Heavier and harder to move
• Not as great with pressure relief
• Typically more expensive
• Can be noisy

If you often wake up with pain in your neck and head area, it may be time to choose a new pillow. While both memory foam and latex do a great job at conforming to your head and neck, memory foam pillows are often a popular choice for those looking for a thicker density and firmer feel. When you lay your head on a memory foam pillow you will notice a slow, body conforming response to the pressure and you will sink deeply into the material.
 
On the other hand, latex typically has a quicker, bouncier response to pressure. It has a lighter density and softer firmness than a memory foam pillow. When you lay your head on a latex pillow you will notice a more buoyant response rather than a deep sink like the memory foam pillow.

When choosing a mattress topper, you should think about the type of feel you’re after. Similar to latex and memory foam mattresses, each material will have a distinct feel. Are you looking for a topper that will make your bed feel firmer? If so, a memory foam topper is going to be your best bet. However, memory foam toppers tend to make you sleep hotter, so if you want something that will keep you cool, consider latex.
 
Similar to mattresses, when it comes to response rate, a memory foam mattress topper will be a lot slower moving than a latex mattress topper. If you’re looking for something more responsive with a bit more bounce, a latex topper is going to be your best option.